Qianhai Shimao Financial Center

Shenzhen, China

Gensler’s winning design competition entry comprises a 150,000-square-meter, mixed-use highrise in the booming Qianhai special economic zone. Aspiring to become not only a Shenzhen landmark but also a vital connection to nearby Hong Kong, the tower embraces the two distinct cultures while serving as a symbol of unity, with each of two volumes representing its own identity yet inextricably intertwined. The tower tapers and rotates, creating a striking image while exuding a structural soundness by dispersing powerful wind forces common in the area. The pedestrian-oriented complex will be its own self-sufficient core, housing retail, restaurants, gardens and a rooftop observation deck with magnificent views across the Pearl River Delta.